SonoSite gains Japanese distributor

Handheld ultrasound developer SonoSite continues to expand its distribution opportunities in Asia. After establishing a subsidiary in Hong Kong and a branch office in Shanghai last month to provide direct sales and support for its products to the People’s Republic of China (SCAN 9/1/99), Bothell, WA-based SonoSite has now signed an agreement with Olympus Optical for rights to distribute the ultrasound devices in Japan. Tokyo-based Olympus’s Medical Products Group markets and distributes medical endoscopes, clinical analyzers, and other advanced medical equipment. With the signing of this agreement, SonoSite has finalized arrangements to sell and distribute products in more than 75 countries through international distributors.